What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a specialist who is experienced in the field. They will review your psychiatric history, as well as looking at different aspects of your life, and how these could be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.
What can we expect?
In a private ADHD assessment, the consultant psychiatrist will talk to you (or your child, in the case of an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They might also require you to complete questionnaires and assess your behavior on different scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The psychiatric consultation lasts about 90 minutes and is conducted in person or via video call. It's important to bring any relevant notes with you, such as work or school performance records and medication details. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry during the examination because it could involve physical examinations.
You will be asked to give information about your health, family history, and any issues you've had at work or at school. The psychiatrist consultant will also review your medical records, along with any other information they may have about your child or your. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you've completed along with their own observations.
Based on the outcome of your test, you will be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, while in others, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your specific requirements with you and once they've agreed on the treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP on a shared care agreement.
A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also help reduce feelings like guilt and shame, because it makes you realize that your symptoms are not a sign of failure or lack of character, but rather an illness of the brain.
It is crucial to remember that ADHD is a condition that affects a lot of people across the globe. While ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, many people who suffer from ADHD have achieved great success. They include famous musicians like Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles and actors like Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney and scientists like Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Getting a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step towards seeking help for ADHD. This means that you are no longer accusing yourself of being the cause and start to recognise that the challenges you experience are the result of your ADHD. You will also be able to find a way of managing your symptoms and regain some control over the areas of your life that have been problematic for a long time.
During the evaluation you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child, and later as an adult. You may be given questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will help you think about your concerns and provide the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to diagnose your ADHD symptoms.
You must be honest and not hold back from answering the questions for fear of being judged or embarrassed. A psychiatrist must be aware of your entire range of problems to determine accurately ADHD. It is important to stay clear of being diagnosed with anything else. Depression anxiety, depression, and other disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms, which could have serious health consequences.
The professionals who make the diagnosis will usually be GMC registered psychiatrists. They have a wealth of experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able identify other disorders which might be causing problems. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and it is a very common part of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain the reason. You might not have provided sufficient details about your problems or another condition could explain your symptoms more effectively than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you're looking for. You can seek a second opinion with a different professional if you disagree.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be offered a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. It is usually an amalgamation of medical treatment and coaching. This can help improve their overall wellbeing and help them achieve their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is important to realize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as it is. If untreated, people suffering from ADHD can experience difficulties at work as well as in their relationships and in their home life. Symptoms such as poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can cause problems in all areas of their lives.
Adults with ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. These can include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship issues.
The psychiatrist will assess the person's symptoms of ADHD throughout their life. This could involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms being experienced and will review a list of possible causes. The doctor will then formulate a diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes the symptoms are related to an underlying condition the doctor will refer the patient for further medical tests. Based on the results of these tests test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is worth noting that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same responsibilities as those working within the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set forth by NICE. It is recommended that patients contact their GP to determine if they need a referral before going for an assessment. Or, they can contact a private specialist like Priory to arrange the examination for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert advice to help you decide on the most appropriate treatment options for your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. adhd private assessment can take two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can access an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you'll need a referral letter from your GP. Some private providers don't require this, but it's worth checking prior to making an appointment.
The first step of the private examination is to fill out the mental health form which asks about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history and any other mental health issues you might have. The private assessment procedure may also include a test of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). It is a problem-solving talk therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behavior. It is particularly effective for adults who have ADHD.
After this is done, an expert psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire, school reports, any other evidence that you have provided and an interview with you. It is crucial that you are honest and precise since this will impact the outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you do not have ADHD they will explain the reason and tell you whether or not you are able to sign a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) or if they can recommend you for a second psychiatric opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are due to another issue, such as PTSD or autism, and it's important that you get an exhaustive mental health examination.
It is essential to ensure that the private healthcare provider who conducts your evaluation follows the guidelines for clinical practice that are set out by NICE. This is particularly important when it comes to assessing people suffering from ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. If you're looking for the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're seeing is experienced in treating adults with ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.